The 2nd West Virginia Infantry Regiment was an infantryregiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Many of its soldiers were actually from Pennsylvania. The regiment fought in Virginia and West Virginia. On May 23, 1863, the regiment was converted to a mounted infantry by Brigadier General William W. Averell. The regiment was immediately sent to a camp for instruction and supplied. After its training, it usually fought as part of a brigade commanded by Averell. On January 26, 1864, it was converted to the 5th West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry Regiment.
Mustering
The 2nd West Virginia Infantry Regiment (originally known as the 2nd Virginia) was mustered into Federal service in mid-1861 by companies as follows;
Article in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, November 24, 1862, describing how the regiment came to be formed
Company "B" known as the "Grafton Guards," from Grafton was mustered in on May 25, 1861, at Wheeling. Commanded by Captain George R. Latham.
Company "C" from Wheeling was mustered in there on June 1, 1861.
Company "D" was recruited in Pittsburgh and not accepted by its home state. It moved to Wheeling and was mustered in on June 14, 1861.
Company "E" from Wheeling was mustered in there on June 16, 1861.
Company "F" was recruited in Pittsburgh and not accepted by its home state. It moved to Wheeling and was mustered in on June 24, 1861.
Company "G" was recruited in Pittsburgh and not accepted by its home state. It moved to Wheeling and was mustered in on June 13, 1861.
Company "H" was recruited in Ironton, Ohio, and not accepted by its home state. It moved to Wheeling and was mustered in on June 28, 1861.
Company "I" was recruited in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and not accepted by its home state. It moved to Wheeling and was mustered in on July 10, 1861.
